Here is some information on an informal gathering in honor of Roger's life.
After much consideration it seems to be the consensus that we want to do something to honor Roger Prine's life and all the contributions he made to local theatre when he was well. We know that it was not his wish to have a service so we are going to look at it as a gathering or celebration in honor of him.
Four County Players will be hosting the event on June 8. 2009 at 2:00 PM in the Barboursville playhouse. There will be a ceremony where people can tell stories and share memories followed by a pot luck lunch with the type of fellowship that Roger loved so much, food and conversation.
I need your help getting the word out to all of his friends. This can be done my email or your web site. I am going to serve as the contact person for Four County Players so use the information below to put people in touch with me.
Email: stegertracie@ aol.com
434-531-0158 Cell
I will also ask Greg Harris to post a link on our web site fourcp.org so people can get information.
Thank you all for your help with this I want to be sure the word gets to anyone he worked with and might want to add to our celebration.
Tracie Steger Skipper
__________
My friend Roger Prine took his life Saturday night.Roger and I became friends two years ago while rehearsing and performing "Metamorphoses." He was a gentle soul. I don't remember ever seeing him become angry or hearing him say a disparaging remark about anyone. Roger was deeply involved in all aspects of the local performing arts scene, variously serving as director, lighting designer, actor, set builder and stagehand.
Thank you, Roger, for your constant encouragement of my newfound passion, your book recommendations, your constructive criticism, and your friendship. If you were still here, I would invite you to see my current show, "Lend Me a Tenor," at Four County Players next month. In that show, the opera star, Tito, accidentally takes too many sleeping pills and can't wake up. My character, Max, mistakes this condition for Tito's death, which sets up a hilarious plot twist.
Even in death, Roger, your generosity continues. Your passing has given me the personal motivation I needed for that scene. A useful -- if macabre -- gift, one I would gladly return to have you back.
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7 comments:
Dear Chuck-
I was searching the net for information about my Uncle and came across your blog. The words you wrote brought tears to my eyes and were very comforting to my family. We knew that he reached all of us with his love, but were so honored at how much he reached out to others.
Thanks from the Prine Family.
Autumn
Chuck,
I'm a childhood friend of Roger's youngest sister Alison, and haven't seen Roger since we were kids. Like his neice Autumn, I found your blog in a search. I thought you might like to know there is a family 'guest book' at the newspaper obituary for Roger...I'll post it below. Best Regards,
Debra (Philadelphia)
The obituary for Roger Putnam Prine appears today in the online version of the Charlottesville Daily Progress. There is also a guest book that will be online for at least one day.
Here is the link to the obituary: http://www.legacy.com/DailyProgress/Obituaries.asp?Page=Lifestory&PersonId=108523687
In the event that the above link does not bring you to the obituary, the website for the Charlottesville Daily Progress is: www.dailyprogress.com You should be able to access the website, click on obituaries, and Roger's name will appear in the list.
Dear Chuck,
I went online looking for some information and found your beautiful blog, how much he will be missed is immeasurable. I met him at Four County Players and fell in love with him I will forever love this beautiful man til I die... and I know we all will as well. Wish I could say more but it is hard. Thanks for the kind words.
Leana
Dear everyone, Chuck Metz and myself, Teddie are friends of Roger, and we just got the news. We are devastated and sad for Roger and all who loved him. Chuck is not computer savy, but he is grieving for Roger tonight and everyone is in our prayers. Teddie Frock
Hello and condolences, I am Chip Straley now from Yuma, AZ where I teach theatre at the local college, I became a member of FCP when Roger and I were 17 years old (beginning the summer of 1975). He, Ned Whiltshire, David Pollard, Leslie Pollard, Edie Estes, and a bunch of other people came of age in Barboursville that (and subequent) summer(s). Roger and I went on to both attend and graduate from Mary Washington College with theatre degrees - I like to think he went to Mary Wash too, because I was there and he didn't want me to get ahead of him - and he and I spent a part of one summer working together in Fredericksburg at the Ryan Homes Plant - a job his father arranged for us. At MWC (now MWU) Roger and I worked on several productions together and he directed me in a piece he put together from Hemmingway's Nick Adam's Stories with another friend from Orange Freddie Monroe (who suicided via a drug overdose while camping in the Shenendoah around 1981). Roger was also the Scarecrow to my Cowardly Lion in MWC;s "The Wizard of Oz" in 1978. I remember him telling me once that he had more talent in his little finger than I had in my entire body - and he may have been right. Roger was always a direct and earthy fellow who would let you know what he really thought. I am stunned and disbelieving. One comment mentioned him being unwell, and I am longing for specifics (answers and rationale) I send my warmest regards and sincerest condolences to his family , which must include FCP. This is a hard and inconsolable loss. Be well Roger: you obviously created that legacy we yearned for so many years and shows ago. "Who pulled my tail? Oh, Roger pulled my tail!"
Chip Straley
Theatre Department Head
Arizona Western College
Yuma. AZ 85366-0929
chip.straley@azwestern.edu
The sad news of Roger has just come to me. Roger and I went to Mary Washington College together, played in plays together, and were together as a couple for awhile. Our time together was too personal to share on an open page...I never met any of Roger's family...I have photos of him I expect the family has never seen and I would like to share...I would also (like my dear Chip Straley) like to know more about what happened to the Roger I remember. My name is Liz Reick now but at MWC I was Libby Palmer.. Anyone out there who might be willing to chat with me?
I don't have contact info for Roger's family but if you contact Tracie (cell phone above in update) she may be able to put you in touch. Good luck.
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